The future of business technology is upon us. As 2026 approaches, the landscape is changing drastically, and leaders must adapt to ensure their organizations thrive in this evolving environment. Gone are the days of merely piloting AI; now is the time for execution and realizing tangible benefits. With AI, automation, and cybersecurity at the forefront, understanding these trends will be crucial for driving business value.
Agentic AI: A Shift in Business Process
The advancement of AI has redefined what is possible within businesses. Agentic AI, expanding beyond rudimentary chatbots, now encompasses autonomous workflows that manage entire processes from start to finish. For example, companies like Walmart have integrated AI agents to handle tasks such as payroll management and product merchandising. This shift will allow organizations to reduce their administrative burden while improving efficiency and accuracy across the board.
Moreover, sectors ranging from retail to pharmaceuticals are harnessing agentic AI for practical applications. In 2026, we expect a surge in production-level implementations that revamp conventional workflows, making them more streamlined and less fragmented. This change will enable businesses to operate more consistently, manage costs effectively, and ensure greater visibility over their operations.
Robotics-as-a-Service: Automating the Physical World
As technology becomes more accessible, robotics and IoT are transitioning into a service model, facilitating automation without the need for significant upfront investments. This change particularly benefits small and medium-sized enterprises that can now utilize robotics to enhance operations without the burden of maintenance and ownership. For instance, through an innovative retail IoT project, Accedia illustrated how cloud-connected vending platforms can significantly reduce the need for on-site service visits while generating additional revenue streams.
Enterprises, too, are realizing the potential of robotics. Amazon, with its millionth warehouse robot enhancing efficiency by 10%, is leading the charge by offering AI and robotics technology to other companies. This trend of

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